Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.

Abstract: A method of hydrating a sponge material for delivery to a body. The method includes the steps of placing a dry piece of sponge in a container at a first pressure. A hydrating fluid is then introduced into the container to hydrate the sponge. The pressure within the container is changed between the first pressure and a second pressure. At least a portion of the hydrating fluid is removed from the sponge, and the sponge is delivered to a bodily site.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes an insert tube and an elongate plunger. The insert tube has a tubular wall that confines a passage and that has drug entrance and release ends. The drug release end has first and second radial parts, and is provided with a flexible grating that includes sets of first and second flexible strips. The first and second flexible strips extend from the first and second radial parts of the drug release end, respectively. The elongate plunger has a drug pushing end and an operating end, is slidably movable in the passage, and has a length sufficient to enable the drug pushing end to push a drug in the passage to move out of the passage and spread apart the first and second flexible strips for delivering the drug into a body cavity.

Abstract: A disposable device for transferring and/or circulating an active liquid into and/or inside an intracorporeal cavity is elongate along a reference axis, has an intrinsic axial consistency which is sufficient to allow the device to be introduced into the cavity by being pushed in axially. The device includes an expandable tampon made of at least one absorbent material, having a proximal portion and a distal portion, designed to collect and absorb said active liquid dispensed in the intracorporeal cavity and to expand and bear in a leak tight manner against mucous membrane of the intracorporeal cavity, and a source of liquid phase including a capsule, at least the proximal part of which is at least partially surrounded by the expandable tampon.

Abstract: Applicator for inserting an object such as a tampon into a natural orifice of the human body, comprising the said object inserted in a tubular outer and a plunger intended to expel the said object such as a tampon from the tubular outer. The applicator comprises a flexible sleeve fixed concentrically to the outer, folded initially between the distal end of this outer and the object such as a tampon, the length of the deployed sleeve corresponding substantially to that of the object. The flexible sleeve deploys around the object such as a tampon when the latter leaves the outer under the effect of the plunger.

Abstract: An applicator and method for delivering an object into a body cavity. In particular, the applicator includes a tubular insertion member having an outer surface, an inner surface, an insertion end, a first stop affixed to the inner surface proximate the insertion end, and a trailing end opposite the insertion end. The tubular insertion member containing a cage having an inner surface, an outer surface, a plurality of arms extending from an inner end portion toward the insertion end of the tubular insertion member, and a second stop affixed the outer surface proximate the inner end of the cage. The object is held within the cage until placement into the user's body and the first and second stops are capable of engaging to allow the object to be delivered into the body cavity while the cage remains constrained within the insertion member.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is provided having a barrel and/or a plunger molded from a pulp-based material. The barrel can be molded such that it includes a molded fingergrip area having a textured surface, at least one gripping structure, or any combination thereof. Petals may be molded on the pledget ejection end of the barrel. In addition, the exterior surface of the barrel is molded such that it is textured, smooth, or any combinations thereof. The molded tampon applicator exhibits superior flushability and compostability characteristics, without compromising the strength of the barrel or plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: Detectable markers that may be introduced into a cavity created by removal of a biopsy specimen to mark the location of the biopsy site so that it may be located in a subsequent medical/surgical procedure. The markers remain present in sufficient quantity to permit detection and location of the biopsy site at a first time point (e.g., 2 weeks) after introduction but clear from the biopsy site or otherwise not interfere with imaging of tissues adjacent the biopsy site at a second time point (e.g., 5-7 months) after introduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one is raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member. Longitudinal forces are created during both the insertion step of use, as well as the expulsion step delivering the contained object from the insertion member into the body cavity.

Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel delivers an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a staging chamber, a delivery cannula, and a pusher. The staging chamber is used for hydrating a pledget of absorbable sponge, compressing the pledget, and delivering the pledget to the delivery cannula. The staging chamber may include a valve for facilitating hydration and staging of the pledget. The delivery cannula and pusher are used to accurately place the sponge pledget outside the blood vessel. An easy loader connector may be used to facilitate loading the dry pledget into the staging chamber.

Abstract: Presbyopia is more effectively corrected by techniques and implants designed to exert an inwardly-directed force on the ciliary body. The force is preferably either perpendicular to the optical axis, or generally perpendicular wherein the zonular plexus is deflected inwardly approximately along an axis bisecting the angle described by the anterior zonular fibers when viewed in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator, comprising an elongated outer cylinder, a tampon contained therein and a plunger by which the tampon can be pushed out through a forward delivery opening of the outer cylinder. In order to facilitate handling the applicator is, on the rearward end, opposite to the delivery opening (12), provided with a recess (6) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, the cross-sectional contour of the recess (6) being shaped to receive a finger in a finger seat.

Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a pusher. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the pusher to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials and filler such as calcium carbonate and talc, and which readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmental concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, biodegradable polymers, and filler, wherein this combination of water-dispersible thermoplastic polymers, biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, and filler provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.

Abstract: A lubricated tampon applicator having a sanitary wrapper. The applicator comprises a tubular body having a lubrication cell near its insertion end. The lubrication cell is scored to preferentially fail first at the interior cell membrane, and then the exterior cell membrane as the tampon is expelled from the applicator. The tampon has a lesser circumference about the leading portion than the trailing portion, thereof. In another embodiment the cell is a cage having a scored inner membrane and a leading surface of discrete petals. The cage is covered by an elastic membrane which is turned inward at the central axis and extends through an opening formed by the petals, flares radially outward, and seals against the inner membrane. The sanitary wrapper contains a portion for maintaining the applicator tip coated with lubricant. An adhesive bonds the wrapper to the applicator, effectively containing the lubricant.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials that readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmetal concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, and biodegradable polymers, wherein this combination of water-dispersible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tampon applicator, having a specific insertion tip structure with overlapping petals, connected to a tube. The petals are preferably curved such that one edge of a petal has an angle with the top edge of the tube of 40° to 60°. The petals are at least partially closed over the tampon and easily openable in use, which provides an improved, safer and more hygienic insertion of the tampon into the body.

Abstract: A device for taking a sample from the human or animal body comprising a casing tube (2) in which there is longitudinally movably arranged a swab carrier (1) whose distal end is provided with a swab (4), and a displacement device (3) which is arranged at the proximal end of the device and by the actuation of which the swab (4) can be extended from the casing tube (2) or completely retracted thereinto, wherein the swab carrier (1) comprises at least a distal carrier portion (10) and a tubular proximal carrier portion (11), which are releasably connected together by way of a coupling portion (12) which is introduced into the proximal carrier portion (11) and which extends in the distal direction into a first opening (13) at the proximal end of the distal carrier portion (10), and wherein the coupling portion (12) locks the carrier portions relative to each in their longitudinal direction in such a way that the connection thereof is releasable by pulling the distal end of the coupling portion (12) in the proximal

Abstract: A tampon applicator is provided that comprises a tubular barrel adapted to house a pledget and a telescoping plunger adapted to expel the pledget out of the barrel. A portion of the applicator has a fingergrip area with at least one multi-directional gripping structure to enhance the gripping characteristics of the applicator. The multi-directional gripping structure allows the user to securely hold the applicator during insertion of the applicator into the vagina, expulsion of the pledget from the barrel of the applicator, and removal of the applicator from the vagina.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator adapted to allow a pledget to be laterally loaded into the barrel of the applicator. By laterally loading the pledget, the applicator may include pre-formed petals on the insertion end of the barrel and/or a fingergrip having a reduced diameter. The applicator may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, biopolymer, paper, paperboard, paper slurry, plastic, thermoplastic polymer, thermosetting polymer, or any combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible applicator for inserting an article into a mammalian body cavity. The applicator has an elongate, hollow, structural member suitable for containing the insertable article, and an elongate expulsion member which is slidable within the structural member. The structural member has opposed inside and outside surfaces, and its length dimension is substantially greater than its width and height dimension. In addition, the structural member has a plurality of flex-enhancing elements which are arranged and configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the structural member.

Abstract: A tampon applicator (1) consists of an insertion sleeve (2) in which a tampon (10) is introduced. Slidingly affixed within the insertion sleeve (2) is an ejection sleeve (4) for ejecting the tampon (10). In the insertion sleeve (2), a medicinal agent, which is present in the form of a pill (9), is disposed in such a way that this pill (9) is ejectable together with the tampon (10) by means of the ejection sleeve (4) through the leading end of the insertion sleeve (2).

Abstract: A designer tampon applicator, plunger and withdrawal string is disclosed. The disclosed invention decreases the embarrassment and removes the stigma of menstruation by converting a feminine hygiene product requiring maximum discretion into a high-fashion accessory suitable for public display and personal or intimate adornment. The disclosed invention also allows use of a larger tampon pledget providing greater absorption of and a more effective barrier to menstrual flow. Furthermore, the designer withdrawal string provides a highly visible reminder a tampon is in place and very effective means of removing the tampon.

Abstract: An applicator for sanitary tampon includes an outer cylindrical tube formed with the maximum outer diameter region. The outer cylindrical tube has its outer diameter gradually increasing rearwardly from its front end until the maximum outer diameter region is reached and then gradually decreasing rearwardly. The maximum outer diameter region extends within ½ of a full length of the outer tube as measured from its front end.

Abstract: An applicator article and method are disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator article and method are especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator article includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance to be inserted into the body cavity. An exterior surface coating of the tubular member includes a compostable coating composed of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric blend material of polylactide and a water-soluble polyethylene oxide, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of polyethylene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol. In one embodiment, multiple layers form the exterior surface coating. In one embodiment, the exterior surface coating has a thickness varying in dimension from the insertion end to the opposite external base end.

Abstract: Tampon applicator for feminine hygiene, comprising a cylindrical applicator barrel of paper-like material, having a front end comprising segments which are bent forwards and inward with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the applicator barrel, forming a dome whereby a weakening of the segments is provided for reducing their resistance to a spreading movement of the segments during the pushing out of a tampon from the applicator barrel. The bases of the segments are formed by the front, solid-cylindrical end of the applicator barrel and the weakening of the segments is provided on the inner surface and at an axial distance from the base of the segments. The tampon applicator reduces the ejecting pressure by means of the predetermined breaking lines at the inner surface of each segment while the smooth outside of the segments reduces irritations when in use. Additionally, the invention relates to a process and an apparatus for manufacturing said tampon applicator.

Abstract: An applicator device for inserting an object into a mammalian body cavity includes a tubular member having a rim disposed at one end thereof. The rim has a shoulder projecting outwardly from the tubular member and a return margin directed inwardly from the shoulder distal the tubular member. The invention is especially useful in manufacturing paperboard applicators, such as tampon applicators.

Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by delivery of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. Alternatively, the sponge may be delivered to the biopsy needle by injection of fluid and then delivered to the biopsy tract by a plunger or stylet. The system may also include a trail staging chamber for inspecting a condition of the sponge before delivery. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by injection of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by delivery of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. Alternatively, the sponge may be delivered to the biopsy needle by injection of fluid and then delivered to the biopsy tract by a plunger or stylet. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: A device for applying a filamentous implant by means of a pressure-generating and fluid-containing unit which is connected to a housing containing the thread to be implanted. The housing opens out into a channel used for delivering the thread externally. The pressure generation unit generates a static pressure on a fluid contained inside the device, said fluid pushing the thread to be implanted through the distal narrowed tip of the channel, towards the exterior or into a tissue or a body cavity. The fluid remains inside the device in the course of this process. The distal end of the device can be plugged in order to prevent the fluid from exiting after application of the implant. The application can be stopped once an adequate quantity of the implant material has been implanted by severing the thread in the vicinity of the distal end of the channel or at the proximal end.

Abstract: Provided is an applicator for a tampon including an outer cylinder having a large diameter portion for fitting a tampon therein, a small diameter portion provided on the side of a rear end of the outer cylinder and having a smaller diameter than that of the large diameter portion; and a plurality of valves provided on the side of a leading end of the outer cylinder. The valves are converged to have a curved face portion to be diametrically gradually reduced toward the leading end of the outer cylinder, and a push-out member is movably inserted into the small diameter portion of the outer cylinder. A ratio A/B is at most 0.8, when an inflection point for the boundary between the maximum diameter portion of the large diameter portion and the curved face portion is designated by Z, a radius of the outer face at the inflection point Z is designated by A, and the axial length from the inflection point Z to the leading end of the curved face portion is designated by B. A ratio L/W is within a range of 1.0 to 2.

Abstract: Provided is an applicator for a tampon including an outer cylinder having a protruding mouth at a leading end thereof, through which a tampon is pushed out and an opening at a root end thereof; and an inner cylinder for pushing out the tampon which has a front end located in the outer cylinder and a rear end protruding rearwardly from the outer cylinder through the opening. The inner cylinder is formed of an extruded material which is extrusion-molded of a thermoplastic resin into a cylindrical shape, and is provided at the front end thereof with a push portion which is deformed to have a larger diameter from the extruded material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member comprises a gripping sheet which superposes upon itself about the insertion member multiple times and provides resistance to movement of a user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the tubular insertion member.

Abstract: The present invention is an applicator barrel with a taped finger grip. The applicator barrel includes a barrel body having an outer surface. A three-dimensional tape is connected to a portion of the outer surface and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface. The first surface has at least one integrally formed gripping structure extending outwardly from the first surface to provide a gripping surface, and the second surface is adhesive to connect the tape to the barrel.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent pad for being used with a sanitary tampon, which includes a pad body having liquid absorbency. The pad body has front and rear faces, and a string receiving portion. The string receiving portion passes through from the front face to the rear face so that a string extending from the tampon can be inserted into the string receiving portion.

Abstract: An applicator article and method are disclosed for inserting a substance into a body cavity. The applicator article and method are especially useful for inserting a catamenial tampon into a woman's vagina. The applicator article includes a tubular member formed from at least one layer of paper which has an exterior surface. The tubular member is capable of holding the substance to be inserted into the body cavity. An exterior surface coating of the tubular member includes a compostable coating composed of at least 85 percent by weight of a polymeric blend material of polylactide and a water-soluble polyethylene oxide, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of polyethylene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol. In one embodiment, three layers form the exterior surface coating. In one embodiment, the exterior surface coating has a thickness varying in dimension from the insertion end to the opposite external base end.

Abstract: A system for placing an implant in the body includes an elongated member having at least one inner lumen extending from a proximal end portion of the member to an opening in a distal end portion of the member. At least one compressible implant is in the inner lumen of the member. The implant optionally includes anchor members projecting from its outer surface to limit migration of the implant in the body. Structure is provided to push the implant through the opening in the distal end portion of the member.

Abstract: A device and method of closing an incision or puncture in a patient by inserting a hemostatic closure device into the incision or puncture until the distal end of the hemostatic closure device is along the outer wall of the blood vessel or target organ so that the hemostatic closure device does not obstruct the flow of fluid through the blood vessel or target organ. The precise positioning of the hemostatic closure device in the incision or puncture is accomplished through the use of a locating device having a proximal end portion and distally extending locating members thereon which are adapted to be positioned along the outer wall of the blood vessel or target organ of the patient and extend along a relatively small portion of the outer surface of the hemostatic closure device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: This invention involves a new device and method for treating hemorrhoids. The device has a substantially cylindrical shape and, at least at one portion, has a diameter of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm. The device is inserted into an anal canal so that it is positioned against at least one displaced anal cushion, and is maintained there for a sufficient time to achieve reduction of the displaced anal cushion.

Abstract: A tampon applicator for at least partially separating a tampon and inserting the tampon into a body cavity is provided. The tampon applicator has a tampon holder tube having interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a hollow portion and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity. The tampon holder tube has a feature for separating and spreading a tampon apart during expulsion of the tampon. A plunger may also be telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end and adapted to directionally expel the tampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expels the tampon from the tampon holder tube.

Abstract: An applicator with a sanitary tampon includes an outer cylindrical tube and an inner plunger axially movable within the outer cylindrical tube for ejecting the tampon out of a front end opening of the outer cylindrical tube. The outer cylindrical tube is dimensioned to be longer than a length of the tampon by 50˜80 mm.

Abstract: A lubricated tampon applicator having a sanitary wrapper. The applicator comprises a tubular body having a lubrication cell near its insertion end. The lubrication cell is scored to preferentially fail first at the interior cell membrane, and then the exterior cell membrane as the tampon is expelled from the applicator. The tampon has a lesser circumference about the leading portion than the trailing portion, thereof. In another embodiment the cell is a cage having a scored inner membrane and a leading surface of discrete petals. The cage is covered by an elastic membrane which is turned inward at the central axis and extends through an opening formed by the petals, flares radially outward, and seals against the inner membrane. The sanitary wrapper contains a portion for maintaining the applicator tip coated with lubricant. An adhesive bonds the wrapper to the applicator, effectively containing the lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applicators for inserting objects into body cavities, and to methods for making the same. The applicators are particularly useful for inserting catamenial and prophylactic devices into a vaginal canal. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member and a retrofitted gripping member. The gripping member has an outer diameter greater than that of the insertion member. An interface is created due to this size differential, which provides a visual or tactile cue of applicator insertion depth, and thereafter object positioning within the body cavity. The gripping member comprises at least one raised area on its outwardly disposed surface, providing resistance to movement of the user's manual digit in response to longitudinal forces on the insertion member.

Abstract: A system for facilitating hemostasis of a puncture site in a blood vessel injects an absorbable sponge pledget in a hydrated state to a position at an exterior of the blood vessel puncture to facilitate hemostasis. The system includes a tract dilator for locating the puncture, an introducer, and a pusher. The introducer includes a staging chamber for receiving the absorbent sponge pledget and a delivery chamber having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the staging chamber into which a hydrated pledget passes. The pledget is hydrated and compressed within the introducer and then ejected with the pusher to the delivery site to facilitate hemostasis of the blood vessel puncture. The system delivers the absorbable sponge pledget over a guidewire to ensure the proper positioning of the pledget over the puncture. The implanted absorbable sponge once delivered expands rapidly to fill the target site and is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon applicator, comprising an elongated outer cylinder, a tampon contained therein and a plunger by which the tampon can be pushed out through a forward delivery opening of the outer cylinder. In order to facilitate handling the applicator is, on the rearward end, opposite to the delivery opening (12), provided with a recess (6) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, the cross-sectional contour of the recess (6) being shaped to receive a finger in a finger seat.

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.